We need your help to secure one of the region’s last remaining tracts of old-growth native forest.
We’re seeking contributions to help us acquire and manage a remarkable 71 hectare property of old-growth native forest in rural South Mākara, Wellington.
This project offers a unique opportunity to combine environmental restoration, cultural partnership, and intergenerational impact through targeted investment in a high-value conservation asset.
The property represents one of the few remaining tracts of old-growth native forest in the western Wellington hills, providing critical habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. Its protection will contribute to regional biodiversity restoration, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. However, the land has not been well managed and is showing signs of ecological collapse.
We intend to acquire the property together with Ngahuru Charitable Trust (NCT) through a jointly owned charitable company we will establish together. NCT is a charitable organisation that was established by Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Reserves Trust to support social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Once acquired, the land will be managed for ecological restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement. WNHT has a proven track record managing similar long-term ecological restoration projects, including Long Gully Bush Reserve.
We intend to use a professional contractor to prepare a comprehensive management plan, setting measurable outcomes for pest control, forest health and any necessary infrastructure. Implementation will be guided by partnerships with Capital Kiwi, Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and mana whenua, with a strong focus on creating training and employment pathways for rangatahi Māori.
To govern the charitable company, we will establish a balanced and transparent board structure. Shares will be held in proportion to each party’s contribution, and we will seek a combination of independent and appropriately qualified directors to ensure robust governance, accountability, ecological management, and alignment with charitable purposes.
Together, we can secure this extraordinary landscape for future generations, honouring both the natural heritage of Te Whanganui-a-Tara and the enduring connection of mana whenua to the land.
Email us for more information and to register your pledge: wellington.natural.heritage @gmail.com